THE finalists of Halton Business Awards 2017 have been named today.

Some 46 companies from across Runcorn and Widnes have been selected for their excellence, innovation and achievement.

Judges now face the daunting challenge of selecting the winners which will be announced at a gala dinner at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on May 12.

Paula Cain, chief Executive of Halton Chamber of Commerce said: “The quality of the entries was amazing.

“I don’t envy the judges having to select the winners. It will be a huge task.”

There are 12 categories ranging from new business, international and social enterprise to health and wellbeing, made in Halton and keep it green.

Runcorn and Widnes World is sponsoring the apprentice/young person of the year. 

This year five finalists are competing in this category.

One of the key sponsors John Downes, chairman of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Joint Venture Company, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the entrepreneur of the year category.

“Entrepreneurship is the bedrock of our business and encompasses our key focuses as a leading science and innovation campus.”

The finalists are:

New Business:

Espositos Deli

Home Smart Lettings

Cheshire Business Exchange

KC Marketing Range 

Cheshire Bathrooms and Tiles

Marketing:

Freight First

CF Creative

Aqueous Digital

Entrepreneur:

Paul Ward, Paragon PE

Richard Bamber, Anthony’s Travel

Catherine Lockett, Clearlink HR

Lee Bradburne, Display Team UK Responsible

Halton foundation award for responsible business:

Creature Comforts Cheshire

Runcorn Shopping Centre

Anthony’s Travel

Moore Finance

Made in Halton: 

Paragon PE

TALL Security Print

Customer Service:

Creature Comforts Cheshire

Freight First

The Heath Conference Centre

Hardman Office and Commercial Cleaning

Office Bridge

Keep It Green:

Canopus Solutions

Freight First

Kawneer UK Ltd

International:

Conren

TALL Security Print

Social Enterprise:

Hack Back CIC

Nightstop Communities

Halton Citizens Advice Bureau

Health and Wellbeing:

UK Screening Solutions

UK Nightstop Communities

D3t

Apprentice / Young Person:

Liam Harris, Arvia Technology

Daniel Simpson, Halton Borough Council

James Owen, Viking Sports Foundation

Jonathan Jenkins, Display Team UK

Stacey Hammond, Arvia Technology

Jonathan Blakemore, Aqueous Digital

Business Improvement Districts:

Next Level Performance

Canopus

Computer Disposal

Kawneer UK Ltd

Office Bridge Solutions

Melo World

Hough Green Garage